A Call To Action: What Legacy Does Generation-Y Want To Leave Behind?

That’s it, I’ve had enough — it’s time to take a stand. Our generation can no longer sit idly and watch our world crumble around us. It’s time to look up from our “smart” phones and realize that the state of our union is not in very good shape. Close the Candy Crush app and quit checking every two minutes to see who else "liked" your Instagram pic and take a break from your regular weekends full of fireball shots. It’s time to for change.

Generation-Y is a strange creature. We are a creative, intelligent, tech-savvy, socially adept bunch and we’re capable of executing great change. This should give us the courage to deviate from the status quo and follow our passions. There is a flicker of faith left in humanity and it's up to us to make it burn bright once again.

Instead of trying to get ahead of one another, it’s about time we join forces. We are all smart enough to realize that material possessions and bank account balances are worthless, except for those who want to masquerade around like they are on top of the world when they are really empty inside and have no idea who the person in the mirror glaring back at them really is.

Martin Luther King was talking to us when he said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” There should be no greater purpose than to create meaningful relationships and to help those who are in need. How are you making the world a better place than you left it? Our bare minimum of expectations should be to smile and be pleasant to every person whom we come across each day.

You think that’s too difficult? You’re having a bad day? You will realize how selfish that sounds when you come across people fighting diseases, fighting handicaps and fighting for freedom. We, as humans, are powerful beyond imaginable measure. It’s time we start realizing our worth and being proactive in making the world a more loving and caring place.

We can be the changes we want to see in the world, but we must act now. We are bigger than our ever-growing, narcissistic culture. We are accepting and understanding of all people from different walks of life, we are not narrow-minded, like our parents. We all believe in things and it’s time to start standing up for them. Start something today that is positive and uplifting in and for your community.

We all look at each other and say the same thing: “What is going on with the world?” Be the reason that someone says those words with an attached positive connotation. Do something nice for somebody else for no particular reason. Pay it forward.

Volunteer to help less fortunate families in your community. Go to local schools and impress it upon our youth that we should all love each other and be accepting of each other’s differences. Start that non-profit business you’ve always dreamed of having. Be the bigger person and tell your family members that you forgive them and you love them. Spread the message of great hope. Without it, we have nothing!

We are the leaders of our nation’s future. We must start to examine the bigger picture — it’s our call to action. Let’s make a difference. It is time to stop thinking about how much we’re cashing out and start thinking about what we will be leaving behind when we clock out. Life is precious, especially in the world we live in today, so it’s not too early to start thinking about your legacy.

What kind of world do you want your children and grandchildren to grow up in? Each day, we should be doing everything within our power to make this world a better place. What do you want to leave behind when you’re gone?